May 7, 2008

CHICAGO – Lutheran Disaster Response (LDR) is assessing damage left behind by tornadoes and severe storms that swept across Arkansas May 5. Seven people died and more than 400 homes, businesses, hospitals, schools and churches were damaged or destroyed in the most recent storms.

"This spring numerous communities in many states have been impacted by severe storms. Arkansas has been particularly affected by storms including devastating tornadoes. We pray for the families and communities in areas affected by storms. LDR coordinators continue to assess how we can best meet the long- term recovery needs in these communities," said the Rev. Kevin A. Massey, LDR acting director.

Local Lutheran leaders and disaster response partners are collecting information about the situation, particularly the needs of communities, according to John Centamore, an LDR coordinator, Bayou LaBatre, Ala. Lutheran Family and Children Services of Missouri, St. Louis, an affiliate of LDR, is organizing disaster response work in Arkansas.

"Between Jan. 4 and May 5 residents of Arkansas have seen enough weather-related disasters to last a lifetime," said Centamore. The governor has declared more than 70 counties of Arkansas disaster sites.

Tornadoes in January and February created "a trail of destruction, leaving 13 residents dead. Hundreds of homes and businesses in Baxter, Conway, Izard, Pope and Van Buren counties were damaged or destroyed," he said. Weeks later, rain led to "massive and sustained flooding in many of those counties. Exacerbated by snow melt, rivers across the state, including the White and Black Rivers, forced thousands of people to leave their homes. Many of those displaced indicated they had no ability to rebuild."

Faith-based organizations like LDR and Lutheran social service agencies and many others "have stepped in to fill the voids that the government cannot fill," said Centamore. He said LDR and other faith-based organizations, particularly those that belong to the Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD), have "come together to assess the situation on the ground and develop plans to address the long-term needs" of people.

VOAD is working to address housing needs for families, as well as storage. "Storage is gravely needed for tornado survivors whose homes have been destroyed. They are picking their possessions out of the rubble but have no way to protect their belongings," Centamore said.

ELCA News Service